Background

Seatrack Web is a user-friendly system for forecasts and backtracking of drift and spreading of oil, chemicals, algae and substances in water in the Gulf of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea, the Sounds, Kattegat, Skagerack, the North Sea and most part
of the English Channel (out to 4° W).

Aims

Seatrack Web's aim is to provide a tool to authorities
in HELCOM countries for oil spill prediction, combating and identification of
illegal polluters. STW uses the latest technology, 3-dimensional modeling,
updated atmospheric and ocean forecasts and observations, satellite information
and HELCOM's AIS system to provide a fast and effective service which is used
operationally throughout the Baltic region by Coast Guards, Border Guards,
Rescue Services and Environmental Institutes.

Actions

The Seatrack system, including oil spreading model
PADM (PArticle Dispersion Model) and graphical user interface, is continually
being improved and optimized by a team of experts at SMHI, FCOO, BSH and soon
to include FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute). During 2016–2017 the whole
platform has been upgraded to keep up with rapidly progressing internet
technology and develop new and important functionality for the benefit of all
HELCOM users.